Assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

A component for a vehicle is described, comprising an energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) designed as a hollow profile and a connecting plate (3, 3.1) having means for connecting the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) to a vehicle side, for example a longitudinal beam of the vehicle, in which component (1, 1.1) the connecting plate (3, 3.1) has at least one connecting tongue (5, 5.1) projecting in the direction of the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1), which is connected to the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) in material engagement, wherein the at least one connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is embedded in the hollow space of the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) and is connected on the inside by the planar side of the connecting tongue to the wall panel (6, 6.1) of the hollow profile, and in the region in which the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is connected to the hollow profile, the side wall (6, 6.1) has an indentation (7, 7.1) pointing into the interior of the hollow profile, to which the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is connected by its planar side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for a vehicle, comprising an energy-absorbing box designed as a hollow profile and a connecting plate, the connecting plate having means for connecting the energy-absorbing box to a side of the vehicle, such as a longitudinal beam of the vehicle, wherein the connecting plate has at least one connecting tongue protruding toward the energy-absorbing box, the connecting tongue being materially engaged with the energy-absorbing box. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicles, energy-absorbing boxes are installed between the bumper crossbeam and the chassis side connection. The energy-absorbing box is used to absorb energy in the event of a collision that impacts the bumper crossbeam. This energy-absorbing box is a hollow profile component. The hollow profile component can be a continuously cast component made of a suitable aluminum alloy or a component made of one or more steel slabs. When using steel slabs, this energy-absorbing box typically consists of two half-shells connected to each other by welds at their side arms along the longitudinal extension of the energy-absorbing box. To connect such a hollow profile energy-absorbing box to the vehicle's side chassis, where it is typically connected to the vehicle's longitudinal beams, a connecting plate (so-called a base plate) is used. The connecting plate is attached to the energy-absorbing box on one side. This connecting plate occupies a larger area than the cross-section of the energy-absorbing box. Fixed openings are arranged in the area extending transversely beyond the energy-absorbing box in the direction of travel. These fixed openings serve as means for connecting the connecting plate to, for example, the end side of the vehicle's side longitudinal beam. The longitudinal beams can also be equipped with connecting plates on the end sides, so that in this case the two connecting plates can be fastened to each other back to back.

[0003] Energy-absorbing boxes are typically welded to connecting plates, thereby reducing the strength of the metal structure of the energy-absorbing box in the heat-affected zone. Furthermore, the weld itself has only a relatively low yield point. Therefore, the connection between the energy-absorbing box and the connecting plate represents a critical area for connection tearing relative to the connecting plate, depending on the impact energy acting on the energy-absorbing box. For this reason, assemblies of the aforementioned type have been developed, in which the connecting plate has one or more connecting tongues extending from its plane. Such assemblies are known, for example, by document DE 10 2012 108 699 B4. These protruding tongues, which are materially bonded to the energy-absorbing box, serve as wall reinforcements in the end sections of the energy-absorbing box adjacent to the connecting plate. In the assembly known by document DE 102012 108 699 B4, two connecting tongues extend from the plane of the connecting plate toward the cavity profile. Relative to the connecting plate, these two connecting tongues are arranged such that one connecting tongue can connect to the outside of the upper chord of the energy-absorbing box, which is designed as a hollow profile, while the other connecting tongue can connect to the outside of the lower chord of the energy-absorbing box. This measure aims to prevent longitudinal bending of the irregularly shaped beam, depending on the impact energy, especially at lower forces. Furthermore, by bending the connecting tongues out of the connecting plate, the end-side reinforcement of the energy-absorbing box can be achieved without using additional components.

[0004] A problem arises when using reinforcing members or bent tongues, as is known from document DE 10 2012 108699 B4: for interconnected elements, not all surface areas are accessible for corrosion protection, for example, by cathodic immersion. Corrosion can occur at these locations due to capillary forces generated between the contacting elements. This corrosion weakens the connection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Since the previous document DE 10 2012 108 699 B4, the requirements for such components or vehicles equipped with such components have significantly increased. Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the aforementioned type of component so that it can also meet the increased requirements for such components.

[0006] The technical problem is solved according to the present invention by a component of the aforementioned type, wherein at least one connecting tongue is embedded in the cavity of the energy-absorbing box and is connected to the wall panel of the cavity profile on the inner side via the planar side of the connecting tongue, and in the region where the connecting tongue is connected to the cavity profile, the side wall has an imprinted portion pointing towards the interior of the cavity profile, and the connecting tongue is connected to the top end of the imprinted portion via its planar side.

[0007] In this assembly, the connecting plate carries at least one connecting tongue protruding from its plane. However, unlike previously known designs, this connecting tongue is not connected to the outer side of the wall of the energy-absorbing box to be connected to the connecting plate, but rather to the inner side of that wall. The wall is typically a sidewall, i.e., a wall whose surface extends laterally towards the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment where the connecting plate carries only a single connecting tongue, the connecting tongue is positioned such that it connects to the inner side of the laterally outward-pointing sidewall of the energy-absorbing box, which is designed as a hollow profile. The at least one connecting tongue can protrude from the plane of the connecting plate by bending or flanging. In such a design, a bending zone exists between the protruding surface extension of the connecting tongue and the plane of the connecting plate. According to another design, the connecting tongue is a separate component welded to the connecting plate. This separate component can be stamped out from the connecting plate.

[0008] In the assembly according to the invention, an embossed portion pointing inwards is provided in the wall panel of the energy-absorbing cavity profile, the wall panel being connected to a connecting tongue. The embossed portion has an embossing depth, such that the connecting tongue connects its planar side to the top of the embossed portion, the top of which realizes the sidewall of the cavity profile and thus its end face is spaced apart from the connecting tongue. Due to the spacing provided by the embossed portion between the connecting tongue and the sidewall, the end face of the cavity profile is also spaced apart from the root of the connecting tongue, and thus spaced apart from the bending area in the case of the connecting tongue being bent from the planar edge of the connecting plate, or from the weld seam in the case of the connecting tongue being welded to the connecting plate. The spacing between the connecting tongue and the planar extension of the sidewall has the advantage that, although the connecting tongue is connected to the inner side of the wall panel of the cavity profile, the end face of the cavity profile can rest entirely against the connecting plate. Furthermore, it offers the advantage that the bending radius in the transition from the connecting tongue to the plane of the connecting plate does not need to be chosen as small as possible, as in the prior art, where a small bending radius leads to greater tension on the tension side. More specifically, in the assembly, the bending zone can be designed to have a larger radius compared to previously known connecting plates without compromising the connection of the energy-absorbing box. Similarly, the weld of the connecting tongue to the connecting plate does not weaken the support of the cavity profile across the entire perimeter of the connecting plate with its end side.

[0009] These connecting tongues typically have relatively large openings. This allows for the application of an anti-corrosion layer, such as a KTL coating, which is also positioned between the opposing sides of the inner wall of the cavity profile and the outward-facing sides of the connecting tongue. In this regard, an embossed portion introduced into the cavity profile wall reduces the contact area between the wall and the connecting tongue. The contact area is limited to the tip or tip region of the embossed portion. The distance provided by the embossed portion between the connecting tongue and the inner side of the cavity profile wall ensures the prescribed inflow of paint without any paint outflow.

[0010] To optimally reinforce the cavity profile in the area where it connects to the connecting plate, in this embodiment, the height of the connecting tongue is specified to be substantially equal to the height of the wall panel to which the connecting tongue connects. Only the height of the wall panel in the straight section of the cavity profile is considered here, and therefore, radially curved transitions from one wall panel to an adjacent wall panel are not considered. The base surface of the connecting tongue can be rectangular. In another design, the base surface is specified to be trapezoidal, wherein the larger base of the trapezoid points towards the connecting plate. In the latter case, the reinforcing effect towards the connecting plate is increased because the cross-section of the connecting tongue in the end section of the energy-absorbing cavity profile becomes larger.

[0011] The embossed portion of the wall panel of the cavity profile, which is connected to the connecting tongue on the inner side, is advantageously a continuous embossed portion. The continuous embossed portion has a portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the cavity profile and at least one other portion extending laterally relative to the longitudinal extension. According to an embodiment, this embossed portion is designed in a U-shape, wherein the opening of the embossed portion, surrounded by the side arms of the embossed portion, points in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the cavity profile. As a supplement to the connecting tongue connected to the inner wall of the cavity profile, the cavity profile is also reinforced at its end sections by wall embossing. Therefore, this wall embossing also serves to protect the end-side weld through which the energy-absorbing box is connected to the connecting plate. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle assembly, viewed from the rear side of the connecting plate, is shown, the assembly including an energy-absorbing box designed as a hollow profile and a connecting plate;

[0014] Figure 2 A perspective view of the end section of the energy-absorbing box connected to the connecting plate, viewed from the front side of the connecting plate;

[0015] Figure 3 The section shown is cut in the horizontal central longitudinal plane of the component. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cross-sectional view obtained from the components;

[0016] Figure 4 A perspective view of another component corresponding to the above figures is shown, but with an alternative design featuring end section reinforcement; and

[0017] Figure 5 Showing the direction from the outside Figure 4 A perspective view of the front side of the component's connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Component 1 for a vehicle includes an energy-absorbing box 2 designed as a hollow profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy-absorbing box 2 is a steel component made of two U-shaped half-shells in a manner known per se. The joining planes of the two half-shells, not shown in the figure, lie in the xz plane, where these directions correspond to the general orientation of the vehicle. The x-direction represents the direction of the longitudinal extension of the energy-absorbing box 2, the z-direction represents the height direction, and the y-direction represents the direction transverse to the longitudinal extension. In addition to the energy-absorbing box 2, component 1 also includes a connecting plate 3, which may also be referred to as a base plate. The connecting plate 3 and the energy-absorbing box 2 form a single component because the two components are welded together. The connecting plate 3 has a planar extension larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the energy-absorbing box 2 pointing towards the connecting plate 3. Two fixed openings 4 are provided in the upper and lower regions protruding beyond the energy-absorbing box 2, respectively. These fixed openings in the illustrated embodiment represent connecting devices by which the connecting plate 3 can be connected, for example, to the longitudinal beams of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting plate 3 is a flat steel plate. It is entirely possible to stipulate that the outer edge of the connecting plate 3 is supported by a chamfered flange relative to the actual plate for reinforcement. Typically, this flange is designed to protrude towards the energy-absorbing box 2.

[0019] In the area surrounded by the end face of the connecting plate 3 of the energy-absorbing box 2, the connecting tongue 5 extends from the plane of the connecting plate 3 toward the energy-absorbing box 2 into the cavity, more specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, it is bent at 90° relative to the plane of the connecting plate 3. The connecting tongue 5 lies in the xz plane and is flipped toward the side wall 6 of the energy-absorbing box 2, which points outward and thus away from the central longitudinal axis. The surface of the connecting tongue 5 pointing toward the side wall 6 abuts the top of the embossed portion 7, which is introduced into the side wall 6 from the outside and thus points toward the interior of the hollow profile. The connecting tongue 5 has a relatively large stamped hole 8 through which an opening is provided.

[0020] exist Figure 2 Looking outward from the sidewall 6, the embossed portion 7 can be seen. The embossed portion 7 is U-shaped, with two side arms 9 and 9.1 pointing towards the longitudinal extension of the energy-absorbing box 2, while the connecting arm 10 connecting the side arms 9 and 9.1 extends along the height direction (z-direction). In this embodiment, the opening formed by the side arms 9 and 9.1 of the embossed portion 7 faces the connecting plate 3. Viewed from the outside of the sidewall 6, the embossed portion 7 has an unbent top region 11 that extends through the entire embossed portion 7. Three elongated openings 12, 12.1, and 12.2 are provided in this top region 11. These openings are used to weld the connecting tongue 5 to the side of the top region 11 located inside the cavity profile. The openings 12, 12.1, and 12.2 follow the U-shaped geometry of the embossed portion 7.

[0021] exist Figure 3As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the embossed portion 7 has an opening 12.1 formed in the connecting arm 10 region. The connecting tongue 5 abuts against the unbent top region 11 of the embossed portion 7 with its inner side facing the sidewall 6. The connecting tongue 5 is formed on the connecting plate 3 with a bending region 13 connected in the middle. The radius shown is quite large compared to the conventional bending radius used for such a tongue. The depth of the embossed portion 7 is set such that the end face 14 of the energy-absorbing box 2 is spaced apart from the bending region 13. This ensures that the end face 14 of the energy-absorbing box 2 abuts against the front side 15 of the connecting plate 3 facing the energy-absorbing box 2 without circumferential damage. Figure 3 The illustration also clearly shows that end face 14 rests circumferentially against the front side 15 of connecting plate 3. This means that end face 14 does not need to bridging any openings introduced into connecting plate 3, as is the case when connecting tongues extending from the plane of connecting plate connect to the outer side of the wall panel of energy-absorbing box. In this respect, for this assembly 1, the force introduced from energy-absorbing box 2 via end face 14 to connecting plate 3 is the same circumferentially, which further improves impact performance.

[0022] Figure 3 The cross-sectional view clearly shows that the outwardly pointing wall panel 6 of the energy-absorbing box 2 is reinforced both by the embossed portion 7 and by the connecting tongue 5. The structure formed by the distance between the connecting tongue 5 and the inner side 16 of the side wall 6 is box-shaped. The box-shaped profile is provided by the joint connection between the connecting tongue 5 and the side wall 6 in the top region 11, resulting in a structure with higher stiffness than the sum of the material thicknesses of the connecting tongue 5 and the side wall 6 alone, a rule known in previous designs. This method absorbs shear forces particularly effectively without causing excessive stress. Figure 3 The weld 17 connecting the energy-absorbing box 2 and the connecting plate 3, shown in the figure, is subjected to overload. The weld portion manufactured in the opening 12.1 for welding the connecting tongue 5 to the side wall 6 is also indicated by reference numeral 18.

[0023] Figure 4 Another embodiment of component 1.1 is shown, which in principle has the same structure as component 1 described above. Therefore, the above description is also applicable to... Figure 4 Component 1.1 is shown only through the half-shell of its energy-absorbing box 2.1. In component 1.1, the embossed portion 7.1 is also designed in a U-shape, but the opening of the embossed portion 7.1 faces away from the connecting plate 3.1. Furthermore, component 1.1 differs from component 1 in that the connecting tongue 5.1 is designed in a trapezoidal shape, wherein the wider bottom of the trapezoid of the connecting tongue 5.1 points towards the connecting plate 3.1. In this embodiment, the connecting tongue 5.1 is punched out from the connecting plate 3.1 and welded to the connecting plate 3.1 with its bottom side, typically welded on both sides by fillet welds 19.

[0024] Figure 5The energy-absorbing box 2.1 is shown in Figure 4 The external view of the housing shown shows that the embossed portion 7.1 is disposed in the side wall 6.1.

[0025] The present invention has been described with reference to embodiments. Many other possibilities for practicing the invention within the scope of the valid claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the effective claims, and need not be elaborated upon in detail within the scope of the embodiments.

[0026] List of reference numerals

[0027] 1.1 Components

[0028] 2.2.1 Energy Absorbing Box

[0029] 3.1 Connecting Plate

[0030] 4 Fixed openings

[0031] 5.1 Connecting tongue

[0032] 6.1 Sidewalls

[0033] 7.1 Imprinting Section

[0034] 8 openings

[0035] 9. 9.1 Side Arm

[0036] 10 connecting arms

[0037] 11 Top Area

[0038] 12, 12.1, 12.2 Openings

[0039] 13 bending areas

[0040] 14 end faces

[0041] 15 front side

[0042] 16 inner side

[0043] 17 welds

[0044] 18 Welding Section

[0045] 19 fillet weld

Claims

1. An assembly for a vehicle, comprising an energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) designed as a hollow profile and a connecting plate (3, 3.1), the connecting plate having means for connecting the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) to a side of the vehicle, wherein the connecting plate (3, 3.1) in the assembly (1, 1.1) has at least one connecting tongue (5, 5.1) projecting toward the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1), the connecting tongue being material-engagedly connected to the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1), characterized in that, At least one connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is embedded in the cavity of the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) and is connected to the sidewall (6, 6.1) of the cavity profile on the inner side via the planar side of the connecting tongue. In the region where the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is connected to the cavity profile, the sidewall (6, 6.1) has an imprinted portion (7, 7.1) pointing towards the interior of the cavity profile. The connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is connected to the top end of the imprinted portion via its planar side. The imprinted portion (7, 7.1) has an imprinting depth, so that the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is connected to the top end of the imprinted portion via its planar side. The top end realizes that the sidewall (6, 6.1) of the cavity profile and its end face are spaced apart from the connecting tongue (5, 5.1), so that the end face of the cavity profile is fully abutted against the connecting plate (3, 3.1).

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of at least one connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is equal to the height of the sidewall (6, 6.1) of the cavity profile connected to the connecting tongue.

3. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one connecting tongue (5, 5.1) has a first opening (8), wherein the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is connected to the embossed portion (7, 7.1) at at least one engagement position, the at least one engagement position being spaced apart from the edge of the first opening (8) pointing toward the outer edge of the connecting tongue (5, 5.1).

4. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one connecting tongue (5, 5.1) has an area of ​​a plane referencing the connecting plate (3, 3.1), which is greater than half of the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity profile.

5. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plates (3, 3.1) support only one connecting tongue (5, 5.1).

6. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embossed portion (7, 7.1) has a structure in the plane of the sidewall (6, 6.1) such that the extension in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the cavity profile and in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal extension is equal to the extension in the same direction of the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) to be connected.

7. The component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The embossing portion (7, 7.1) is designed in a U-shape, wherein the opening of the embossing portion (7, 7.1) surrounded by the side arms (9, 9.1) points along the longitudinal extension of the cavity profile.

8. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The opening of the embossing section faces the connecting plate.

9. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embossing portion (7, 7.1) has an unbent tip region, and the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) is connected to the tip region.

10. The component according to claim 9, characterized in that, One or more second openings (12, 12.1, 12.2) are provided in the top region (11) of the embossing part (7, 7.1), and the connecting tongue (5, 5.1) and the side wall (6, 6.1) are welded in the second openings.

11. The component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The one or more second openings (12, 12.1, 12.2) are elongated openings.

12. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one connecting tongue has a rectangular base surface.

13. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one connecting tongue has a trapezoidal base surface, wherein the bottom of the trapezoidal base surface points toward the connecting plate.

14. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting tongue extends from the connecting plate by bending, and the connecting tongue is connected to the connecting plate through the bending area (13).

15. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting tongue is connected to the connecting plate by welding.

16. The component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The connecting tongue is stamped out from the connecting plate.

17. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is used to connect the energy-absorbing box (2, 2.1) to the longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

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